Scotland seeks applications for gambling levy funding 

The funds are intended for community groups and research projects delivering early intervention and support services.

Scotland.- Grassroots organisations in Scotland are being invited to apply for a share of a new £375,000 funding pot for gambling research in the country. There will be a focus on seeking support projects and research linked to gambling harms and mental health, including suicide prevention.

The application window for the funding will be open until August 14. The Scottish government said the aim is to strengthen the country’s early intervention capacity to ensure vulnerable individuals receive timely support. As such, the initiative is intended to support community groups and research projects delivering early intervention and support services.

The money comes from Scotland’s £7.9m allocation of the UK gambling levy, and forms part of the country’s Population Health Framework. The fund is managed by the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE), now in its second year, after backing 16 exploratory projects during 2025–26. 

The programme underscores the government’s commitment to addressing gambling harm as a public health issue, rather than simply a matter of consumer protection. Previous research funded through the programme found that severe gambling harms are often obscured by other issues such as housing insecurity, debt, and substance use.

Minister for Mental Health Maree Todd urged charities and third-sector organisations to apply: “Gambling affects too many people in Scotland – and while it is often normalised, it is linked to many hidden harms. Earlier this year we announced £7.9m to tackle gambling harm across Scotland, and this fund is a key part of that commitment.

“Last year, our funding supported exploratory projects which found that gambling harms are strongly linked to, but often hidden by other issues including substance use, housing insecurity and debt. This funding will help many other organisations working with some of those most affected.”

Sara Redmond, Chief Officer at the ALLIANCE, added: “For many people gambling has become part of their everyday life – but research shows it can evolve into a slow, often invisible decline that places individuals at heightened risk of harm and impacts on their mental health and wellbeing. In serious cases it can lead to severe mental distress and even suicide. We need to understand more about the support that is needed within our communities. Solving the significant problems caused by gambling in Scotland has become a non-negotiable.”